Many fish species, snook, redfish, trout, mullet, and sheepshead. We do have dry bags and phone cases for your cellular devices. Anyone can become a member of FLA by joining, you will be actively working to preserve an important part of Florida history, while also receiving great perks in return! Since our inception, we have raised and granted nearly two million dollars to lighthouse preservation across the state. The Gulf of Mexico beach between the Sandspur Beach and Seawall Parking Areas is 1. The Sanibel Keeper's Quarters and associated structures were swept away, while the tower sits limp at the edge of the water, missing one of its structural support legs. The Seawall separates the two beaches in the park. What should I bring with me kayaking and paddle boarding? In September, three of our historic light stations — Port Boca Grande, Gasparilla, and Sanibel Island — bore the brunt of Hurricane Ian's wrath to devastating effect. If you're not renting or touring with us and want a good guide for paddling Boca Grande Safely, check out our blog on How to Paddle Board Boca Grande Safely.
Do not swim in or launch kayaks into Boca Grande Pass, where Charlotte Harbor flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The road jogs around the Boca Grande Pass condo complex at the seawall and crosses Belcher Rd. Stump Pass Beach State Park. 5 miles north of the lighthouse. It's hard to believe, after driving through Boca Grande, that this park occupies what was once a bustling commercial seaport, Port Boca Grande. The closest paddle boarding and kayaking locations to Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda are the following locations: - Don Pedro Island.
The kayak launch on Boca Grande is located on East side of Gasparilla Island. Hours may vary with volunteer availability. Our efforts have funded many essential projects, including a complete restoration of the Pensacola Lighthouse and the rebuilding of St. George Island Lighthouse. Restroom: At beach parking areas. This helps us provide public information on this website. It quickly starts paralleling Gulf Blvd just north of here. The next parking area is Sea Grape Beach, with a nice natural oceanfront and a fair bit of buffer from oceanfront homes to its north. While legend has it that the reason for the island's name is the pirate José Gaspar, in reality, that was just a fable cooked up for storytelling and marketing. Beach swimmers should stick to Range Light and Sea Grape. The final parking area is where the road ends at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse. Look for it by the picnic shelter. In fact, the name "Boca Gasparilla" appeared in 1777 for this location on a British military map, well before the pirate Gaspar started a life of plunder in 1783. That's where the phosphate companies moved their operations after abandoning Boca Grande. We review all safety information prior to launching rentals and guided eco tours.
Following the former route of the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad, it keeps going all the way to the north end of Gasparilla Island, ending after 6 miles near the Boca Grande Fishing Pier. You'll pass each of these beaches on the way to Boca Grande Pass via Gulf Blvd or the Boca Grande Bike Path. Built in 1888 in Delaware at the mouth of the Delaware River, it was shipped to Florida and assembled here in 1927. Don Pedro Island State Park. Migratory Birds – Fall to Spring (white pelicans are a common sighting). It was fully restored between 1980 and 1986. Boca Grande Kayak Launch. Encompassing 127 acres at the southern tip of Gasparilla Island, this is a state park with more to it than meets the eye. Deep water in Charlotte Harbor attracted industrialists to Gasparilla Island in 1905 to develop Boca Grande as a railroad terminus for shipping ore. Most people come here for the beaches, of course. It was formerly called the Range Light. A 5th order Fresnel lens supplies the light.
The Boca Grande Kayak Launch is a public road with limited parking and access into the water on the bay. The state park occupies the tip of the island as well as a sweep of oceanfront along the Gulf of Mexico fronting the community of Boca Grande. Paddle Board & Kayak in Boca Grande. It's a quarter mile farther to the Seawall Parking Area, immediately after an oceanfront restaurant, South Beach, that feels like it's been there forever. Charlotte Harbor pours into the Gulf through the Boca Grande Pass between Gasparilla Island and distant La Costa Island, home of Cayo Costa State Park. What should we expect to see paddling in Boca Grande? It provides access to the Dunes Beach as well as the beach along Boca Grande Pass. An accessible walkway leads to the bathhouse and to the beach. Stretched long and thin to follow the convoluted shoreline of Charlotte Harbor, Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park protects more than 100 miles of coastline along the Gulf Coast. Especially when you see the view across the pass. It is again an active lighthouse, recommissioned as a navigational aid so ships can find their way to Charlotte Harbor. When beach walking, avoid areas marked off as sea turtle nests. Typical sightings include: - Osprey. Any medication needed during the trip.
Up until 1979, this was an active commercial shipping port just like the Port of Tampa. Other than walking on the bike path, your other option is to stroll the beach. More worth exploring while you're in this area. The next parking area on the right is the largest one, at the Dunes Beach. This unprecedented damage to our state's historic treasures has resulted in a desperate need for funding that has greatly exceeded the capacity of FLA. We need your help to keep our state's lights shining! The Gasparilla Island Lighthouse - which had just been completely restored - had many of its support elements twisted and torn, putting its stability into question. Range Light Park is the closest to the town of Boca Grande. This is one of the tougher and costlier state parks to get to, but well worth it. Follow Gasparilla Rd across the causeway to Gasparilla Island. Please stop prior to arriving at this location. From Port Charlotte, follow SR 771 (Gasparilla Rd) south.
In addition to admiring the Gasparilla Island Light, a visit to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse is a must. Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. Standing tall above it is the Gasparilla Island Light, the metal tower with a beacon on top. Shelling is excellent both along the shoreline facing the pass and around the bend along the Gulf dunes.
We offer several locations for guided eco tours and rentals in Englewood.